So I think I bit off more than I could chew in my desire to memorize an entire book of the Bible. At least right now. I still want to work on memorizing Ephesians...but maybe a chapter a month was a bit lofty for me. And that's ok. I still want to memorize because Martin Luther said, "He who loses sight of the Word of God, falls into despair." Recently I have committed Psalm 138:8 and Psalm 57:2 to memory. They have become, as my friend says, my "anchor" verses. And today I am memorizing Proverbs 4:23, " Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." NLT
What have you memorized lately?
Friday, August 14
Monday, August 10
What Is Your Life Worth To You?
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." - Acts 20:24
If TV cameras had existed in the first century AD, they would have swarmed all over the mob scene described in Acts 19. An angry crowd had gathered in Ephesus to clamor for the head of Paul. For he had “persuaded many people that handmade gods [weren’t] really gods at all” (v.26).
The metal workers of Ephesus made a good living by selling images of Artemis, who was also known as Diana. And the whole city took Paul’s “irreverent” theology rather personally. But the bold apostle didn’t see the crazed crowd as menacing; he saw it as a mission field. In verses 30 and 31 we read that Paul actually tried to appear before the people. He was stopped by friends who cared for him.
Why would Paul want to speak to that senseless horde? Look ahead to Acts 20. Once again, we see Paul plunging into a dangerous situation (vv.22-23). He said, “Jail and suffering lie ahead.” But he added triumphantly, “My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (v.24).
Paul’s disregard for his own life was tied securely to his knowledge that he would continue running his race until it was over. Whether he crossed the finish line that day in Ephesus, or finished the race in Jerusalem, it mattered little to him. The mob was an audience to whom he could give the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Paul wasn’t afraid of the rule of the mob, because Jesus reigned in his heart. Are you willing to give the gospel of the grace of God to even one individual today?
If TV cameras had existed in the first century AD, they would have swarmed all over the mob scene described in Acts 19. An angry crowd had gathered in Ephesus to clamor for the head of Paul. For he had “persuaded many people that handmade gods [weren’t] really gods at all” (v.26).
The metal workers of Ephesus made a good living by selling images of Artemis, who was also known as Diana. And the whole city took Paul’s “irreverent” theology rather personally. But the bold apostle didn’t see the crazed crowd as menacing; he saw it as a mission field. In verses 30 and 31 we read that Paul actually tried to appear before the people. He was stopped by friends who cared for him.
Why would Paul want to speak to that senseless horde? Look ahead to Acts 20. Once again, we see Paul plunging into a dangerous situation (vv.22-23). He said, “Jail and suffering lie ahead.” But he added triumphantly, “My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (v.24).
Paul’s disregard for his own life was tied securely to his knowledge that he would continue running his race until it was over. Whether he crossed the finish line that day in Ephesus, or finished the race in Jerusalem, it mattered little to him. The mob was an audience to whom he could give the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Paul wasn’t afraid of the rule of the mob, because Jesus reigned in his heart. Are you willing to give the gospel of the grace of God to even one individual today?
Thursday, August 6
Simplified Missional Living
Jonathan Dodson from "The Resurgence" has offered some helpful words on what he calls "Simplified Missional Living." Maybe living with purpose is just as simple as doing things on purpose. See what you think...
Eat with Non-Christians
We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations. Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
Walk, Don’t Drive
If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox or convenience store, walk to get mail or groceries. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, carrying along a 6-pack to share, bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Last night I spent an hour outside gardening with my family. We had good conversations with about four of our neighbors. Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people.
Be a Regular
Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places at the same times. Get to know the staff. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of leftover pastries to our church 2-3 times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give them to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a regular.
Hobby with Non-Christians
Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports or local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons, such as sewing, piano, knitting, or tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
Talk to Your Co-workers
How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
Volunteer with Non-Profits
Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take a Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
Participate in City Events
Instead of playing XBox, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, and concerts. Participate missionally. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
Serve Your Neighbors
Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, or fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!
Eat with Non-Christians
We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite a non-Christian friend. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversations. Have cookouts and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.
Walk, Don’t Drive
If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex, or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox or convenience store, walk to get mail or groceries. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, carrying along a 6-pack to share, bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Last night I spent an hour outside gardening with my family. We had good conversations with about four of our neighbors. Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Engage. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet, and some people.
Be a Regular
Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out, and coffee, go to the same places at the same times. Get to know the staff. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of leftover pastries to our church 2-3 times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give them to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a regular.
Hobby with Non-Christians
Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports or local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons, such as sewing, piano, knitting, or tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.
Talk to Your Co-workers
How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form moms’ groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively non-Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.
Volunteer with Non-Profits
Find a non-profit in your part of the city and take a Saturday a month to serve your city. Bring your neighbors, your friends, or your small group. Spend time with your church serving your city. Once a month. You can do it!
Participate in City Events
Instead of playing XBox, watching TV, or surfing the net, participate in city events. Go to fundraisers, festivals, cleanups, summer shows, and concerts. Participate missionally. Strike up conversation. Study the culture. Reflect on what you see and hear. Pray for the city. Love the city. Participate with the city.
Serve Your Neighbors
Help a neighbor by weeding, mowing, building a cabinet, or fixing a car. Stop by the neighborhood association or apartment office and ask if there is anything you can do to help improve things. Ask your local Police and Fire Stations if there is anything you can do to help them. Get creative. Just serve!
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